Imperial County Climate

Imperial County, California

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec73.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

73.7°F

Annual Precip

3.0"

Annual Snowfall

0.0"

Extreme Heat Days

180.06

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
0.6"
0.5"
0.3"
0.1"
0.0"
0.1"
0.1"
0.2"
0.2"
0.2"
0.2"
0.4"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring66°78°0.5"Summer86°93°0.4"Fall64°87°0.6"Winter55°60°1.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 94% of US counties
Wetter than 0% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 16% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Imperial County Weather

An Extreme Desert Environment

Imperial County is one of the hottest places in the United States with a 73.7°F annual average. Its desert climate is defined by extreme aridity, receiving only 3.0 inches of precipitation per year.

Hotter Than the State Average

At 73.7°F, Imperial is significantly hotter than the California state average of 58.7°F. It represents the extreme thermal ceiling of the state’s low-desert regions.

Unmatched Heat in the Region

Imperial is even hotter and drier than neighboring Riverside County, enduring a staggering 180 days of temperatures over 90°F. It lacks the higher elevation cooling found in parts of the adjacent San Diego County.

Brutal Summers and Warm Winters

Summers are brutal with a 90.4°F average and zero snowfall year-round. Even "winter" is warm by national standards, maintaining a comfortable 57.1°F average from December through February.

Safety in Half-Year Heat

Cooling systems must be heavy-duty to survive six months of extreme heat days above 90°F. Sun protection and constant hydration are critical for anyone spending time outdoors in this 3-inch-rainfall environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Imperial County?
The average annual temperature in Imperial County, CA is 73.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Imperial County get?
Imperial County receives an average of 3.0 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Imperial County?
Imperial County receives little to no measurable snowfall in a typical year, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Imperial County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Imperial County is 90.4°F. The county experiences an average of 180.06 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Imperial County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Imperial County is 57.1°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 56.4°F.

Track your own weather in Imperial County

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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